For many of us, taking a newborn to the beach is something we look forward to. Those weeks before the due date are spent joyfully anticipating idyllic days in the sun, relaxing on the sand with a precious little baby (who would probably be sleeping peacefully in our arms right?). Little did we know that taking a newborn to the beach is more like a military operation than a relaxing vacation!
But do you know what? With a bit of trial and error, and a bit of experience, many parents find little life hacks that make taking a newborn to the beach as easy and idyllic as they had hoped. These handy baby beach hacks will give you a head-start on enjoying relaxing days out at the beach with your newborn.
What age can I take my baby to the beach?
In the UK, it’s safe to take your newborn to the beach whenever you feel ready. It’s important to rest-up and let your body recover after giving birth, so don’t feel like you need to push yourself to get out and about. But if you want to take a trip to the beach with your newborn, go for it.
Obviously on hot days (do they exist in the UK?) and in warmer climates, it’s important to take extra precautions against exposing your baby to the sun. It’s best to avoid taking your newborn to the beach in the middle of the day, perhaps aiming to spend time by the sea before 11am or after 3pm when the sun’s rays are not so strong. Follow NHS advice for keeping your baby safe in the sun.
Baby beach hacks for taking newborns to the beach
If you’re excited about taking your newborn to the beach here are a few little tips and tricks that will make those first few beach outings feel easy.
Feeding on the beach
Of course, the number one consideration for taking a newborn to the beach is keeping them fed. If you're formula feeding, ready made cartons of formula are an absolute godsend for beach trips.
For new mums who are learning the art of breastfeeding for the first time, feeding on the beach may seem daunting. Lying down on a blanket or in a beach tent to breastfeed your newborn is the most comfortable and relaxing way to feed at the beach (it really is lovely!). But if you don’t feel confident doing that and you don’t have a chair to sit on, try leaning against a friend’s back, or ask your partner to support you in their arms - to become a human armchair if you will!
Sun safety
The best way to protect your baby’s delicate skin from the sun is to keep them in the shade. Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight and sun cream isn’t recommended because of the fragility and permeability of their skin. So dress your baby in light clothes that cover their limbs and a cute little sunhat. Find a space in the shade, or use a parasol to keep the sun’s rays off your baby.
Our Cabana Kit is a brilliant baby beach hack for taking a newborn to the beach. It attaches to the Deluxe+ dock and includes a retractable UV-protected shade of 50+ SPF that shields baby’s skin and eyes from the sun.
The easiest way to remove wet sand
The great thing about taking a newborn to the beach is that they can’t crawl around and cover themselves in wet sand. But this easy baby beach hack may come in handy when they’re older, or even for removing wet sand from yourself. Dust talc-free baby powder in all those sandy nooks and crannies and the wet sand will brush off - effortlessly. Magic!
Ditch the pram
Unless it has off-road wheels, don’t even try taking your pram for a walk on the beach. It’s far easier to carry your newborn in your arms, or if you like having your arms free, use a baby carrier. Baby carriers with mesh panels are especially good for hot days at the beach, enabling air to circulate around your baby and preventing them from overheating.
Keep it short
Rome wasn’t built in a day. And no new parent became an expert at looking after small babies straight away! Don’t aim for a full day on your very first trip to the beach with your newborn. Perhaps you could aim to spend half an hour or so on the beach and then head to a nearby cafe where comfy seats, hot drinks and nappy changing facilities are on hand.
Newborn beach gear must-haves
We’re passionate about designing beautiful, safe solutions to make parenting that little bit easier for you. And that includes parenting on the beach. We’ve designed a beautiful range of DockATot accessories that make parenting on the go a breeze.
Cabana Kit
Our must-have summer accessory to shield your little one from the sun's rays and bright light. Shown here in Trellis from our Sun & Sea collection.
Clutch Changer
The perfect pack-away changing kit to keep handy for changing on the go.
Base Protector
A simple solution for keeping your dock pristine. Choose grey or navy.
Travel Bag
This getaway tote is the comprehensive hold-all for the Deluxe+ and its accessories.
